Xuzhou Lion Mountain Tomb of the King of Chu

Han tombs are widely distributed in China and are numerous. The Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) was a powerful dynasty in Chinese history, spanning over 400 years through the Western Han and Eastern Han periods. Due to the strong national power and economic prosperity of the Han Dynasty, as well as the prevalence of lavish burials, a large number of tombs have been left behind. Han tombs vary in type and scale, ranging from imperial tombs to those of nobles, officials, and commoners. Among them, imperial tombs are grand in scale, such as the Maoling of Emperor Wu of Han and the Yangling of Emperor Jing of Han. These tombs not only have large mounds but also rich burial objects and underground palaces. The tombs of nobles and officials are also of high standards, with rich burial objects, reflecting the ritual system and social life of the time. Commoner tombs are relatively simple but numerous. The discovery of Han tombs is of great value for studying the politics, economy, culture, art, and technology of the Han Dynasty. Archaeologists have obtained a large number of precious cultural relics and materials through the excavation of Han tombs, such as pottery figurines, bronze ware, jade ware, lacquer ware, silk fabrics, and bamboo slips, which provide physical evidence for studying Han Dynasty history. In general, Han tombs are an important part of China's cultural heritage. Their large number, wide distribution, and rich connotations are important resources for studying ancient Chinese history. The Lion Mountain Tomb of the King of Chu is located in Yunlong District, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province. It is the tomb of a certain King of Chu during the Western Han Dynasty. The specific identity of the tomb owner is still disputed, possibly the third King of Chu, Liu Wu, or his father, Liu Yingke. The tomb was discovered in 1984 and excavated in 1994. It is now a national key cultural relic protection unit. ### Main Features: 1. **Large Scale**: The tomb is built on a mountain with a complex structure, including a tomb passage, corridor, front chamber, rear chamber, and multiple side chambers, with a total area of over 850 square meters. 2. **Rich Burial Objects**: A large number of precious cultural relics were unearthed from the tomb, such as jade ware, gold and silver ware, bronze ware, and pottery, among which the gold-threaded jade suit and jade coffin are particularly famous. 3. **Gold-threaded Jade Suit**: The gold-threaded jade suit unearthed from the tomb is made of more than 4,000 pieces of jade sewn together with gold threads, symbolizing the burial of high-ranking nobles in the Han Dynasty. 4. **Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit**: A pit of terracotta warriors and horses was found near the tomb. Although smaller in scale than the Terracotta Army of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, it still holds significant historical value. ### Historical and Cultural Value: The discovery of the Lion Mountain Tomb of the King of Chu provides important materials for studying the politics, economy, culture, and burial system of the Western Han Dynasty. The gold-threaded jade suit and terracotta warriors and horses, in particular, reflect the advanced craftsmanship and military system of the Han Dynasty. ### Tourist Information: - **Opening Hours**: Open all year round, with specific hours adjusted according to the season. - **Tickets**: Tickets are required, and prices vary according to policy changes. - **Transportation**: Visitors can take a bus or taxi from Xuzhou City. The Lion Mountain Tomb of the King of Chu is an important cultural heritage site in Xuzhou, attracting a large number of tourists and scholars for visits and research.